WWE King of the Ring Winners

In 2006, Booker T defeated Bobby Lashley to become WWE's King for over a year's time. Both Booker and Lashley have since left WWE. Monday night will mark the return of WWE's tradition, the King of the Ring tournament. Eight wrestlers from the Raw, Smackdown and ECW rosters will compete in a single elimination tournament, until 1 man is victorious. That man will be crowned the 2008 King of the Ring. Jerry Lawler has always used "King" as part of his nickname, but was never an official winner of the tournament.

The event had its start way back in 1985, and has produced 17 kings, with Don Muraco the first ever. Bret Hart is the only wrestler to repeat as King (1991 and 1993). There was no tournament held in 1990, 1992, 2003-05, or 2007. Also of note, the tournament has had as many as 16 competitors, but more recently has shortened the field to just 8.

Booker was the last official winner of the tournament but left the WWE in 2007. Here's a look back at all the wrestlers who have enjoyed reigns as the WWE's "King of the Ring" as well as the wrestler they beat in the final match.

King of the Ring Winners (1985 - Present)

1985 Don Muraco def. Iron Sheik
1986 Harley Race def. Pedro Morales
1987 Randy Savage def. King Kong Bundy
1988 Ted DiBiase def. Randy Savage
1989 Tito Santana def. Rick Martel
1991 Bret Hart def. IRS
1993 Bret Hart def. Bam Bam Bigelow
1994 Owen Hart def. Razor Ramon
1995 Mabel def. Savio Vega
1996 Steve Austin def. Jake Roberts
1997 Hunter Hearst Helmsley def. Mankind
1998 Ken Shamrock def. The Rock
1999 Billy Gunn def. X-Pac
2000 Kurt Angle def. Rikishi
2001 Edge def. Kurt Angle
2002 Brock Lesnar def. Rob Van Dam
2006 Booker T def. Lashley

Relive the excitement of the tournament with King of the Ring DVDs at Amazon.com!

Now WWE fans anxiously await as the 2008 King of the Ring will be decided on Monday, April 21st, 2008!